Dipped Products PLC (DPL), the Hayleys Group’s globally-significant rubber glove business, has reported turnover of Rs. 5.3 billion and pre-tax profit of Rs 166 million for the six months ending 30th September 2009, a period characterized by a strong performance by its Hand Protection sector and losses from the Group’s Plantation business.

Filing its second quarter results with the Colombo Stock Exchange this week, DPL reported that operating profit from its businesses in Hand Protection grew more than two and a half times to Rs. 393 million in the period reviewed. In contrast, its plantation company’s contribution to operating profit declined to a loss of Rs. 183 million as opposed to a profit of Rs. 233 million in the first six months of last year.

The principal cause for the Plantation sector loss was the impact of the higher wage bill of Kelani Valley Plantations PLC (KVPL) which amounted to Rs. 211 million for the six months, on account of back wages and gratuity provision.